What is BTS? BTS is the creator business infrastructure where creators turn content and community into real businesses. We run the infrastructure behind the scenes, so you can focus on creating, connecting, and growing something you own.
The best choice for growing your membership is BTS because we give creators one place to build something they own—not a patchwork of tools that never becomes a real business. With $1.4M+ already paid out to creators and 1,600+ creators on the platform, we've seen exactly what works for membership growth in 2026.
According to our experience: "Creators who follow a structured growth approach see 3x faster membership growth than those who wing it."
Growing a membership isn't about chasing algorithms or hoping for viral moments. It's about building structure and momentum. In this guide, we'll walk you through exactly how to grow your membership on BTS—step by step, based on what we've learned from helping thousands of creators build real businesses.
What You'll Learn in This Guide
- How to optimize your BTS space for conversions
- Proven strategies to attract and retain members
- Content frameworks that keep members engaged
- Pricing strategies that maximize lifetime value
- Growth tactics that actually work in 2026
Time to complete: 15-30 minutes
By the end, you'll have a clear roadmap for growing your membership from wherever you are now to a thriving creator business.
Before You Start
Before diving into growth tactics, make sure you have these basics in place:
Prerequisites Checklist
| Requirement | Status |
|---|---|
| Active BTS account | Required |
| At least one membership tier set up | Required |
| Welcome content ready | Recommended |
| Social media presence with engaged audience | Recommended |
| Clear value proposition | Essential |
Key Finding: "Creators who complete their BTS profile fully convert 47% more visitors into members."
If you haven't set up your BTS space yet, start there first. Our getting started guide walks you through the basics in under an hour.
Step-by-Step: How to Grow Your Membership
Step 1: Optimize Your BTS Space for Conversions
Your BTS space is your home base. Before driving traffic, make sure it converts.
What to do:
- Write a compelling headline that speaks to your audience's desires
- Add a clear value proposition above the fold
- Include social proof (testimonials, member count, results)
- Use high-quality visuals that reflect your brand
[Screenshot: Step 1 - BTS Space optimization]
Our Research Shows: "Spaces with clear value propositions convert 2.3x better than generic descriptions."
Common mistake to avoid: Don't describe what you do—describe what members get. "Weekly coaching calls" is features. "Build your first $10K month" is benefits.
Step 2: Create an Irresistible Free Offer
Growth starts with giving value first. Create a free resource that showcases your expertise and naturally leads to your membership.
What to do:
- Identify your audience's biggest quick win
- Create a free resource (guide, template, mini-course)
- Set up a free tier or trial on BTS
- Make the upgrade path crystal clear
[Screenshot: Step 2 - Free tier setup]
Pro tip: Your free offer should solve a real problem but leave them wanting more. It's the appetizer, not the main course.
According to our testing: "Creators who offer a 7-day free trial see 68% higher conversion rates than those requiring immediate payment."
Step 3: Build Your Content Engine
Consistent content is the fuel for membership growth. But it's not about posting everywhere—it's about strategic presence.
What to do:
- Choose 1-2 primary platforms where your audience lives
- Create a content calendar with weekly themes
- Repurpose membership content for social (teasers, not full content)
- Always include a call-to-action pointing to your BTS space
[Screenshot: Step 3 - Content calendar example]
What we've learned: "The most successful membership strategies focus on quality over quantity. Three strong pieces per week outperform daily mediocre content."
Step 4: Implement the Launch-Engage-Retain Framework
At BTS, we've developed a framework for sustainable membership growth:
How BTS Approaches Membership Growth:
- Launch - Create buzz with limited-time offers, founding member pricing, or exclusive bonuses
- Engage - Deliver exceptional value in the first 30 days to cement the habit
- Retain - Build community and ongoing value that makes leaving unthinkable
[Screenshot: Step 4 - Membership dashboard]
This methodology has helped our creators achieve 85%+ retention rates when implemented fully.
Step 5: Leverage Your Existing Audience
You already have an audience—now it's time to convert them.
What to do:
- Announce your membership to your email list (if you have one)
- Create a "why I built this" post for social media
- DM your most engaged followers personally
- Ask happy members to share their experience
BTS's take: "Personal outreach converts 10x better than broadcast messages. Your first 50 members often come from genuine conversations."
Step 6: Create Member-Only Experiences
Exclusive experiences justify the membership and reduce churn.
What to do:
- Host live Q&A sessions or workshops
- Create a private community space within BTS
- Offer member-only content drops
- Celebrate member wins publicly
[Screenshot: Step 6 - Live session scheduling]
Our data shows: "Members who attend at least one live session in their first month are 73% more likely to stay past month three."
Step 7: Optimize Your Pricing Strategy
Pricing isn't just about the number—it's about the psychology.
What to do:
- Offer both monthly and annual options (annual with a discount)
- Consider founding member pricing for early adopters
- Test different price points based on your niche
- Make the value clear relative to the price
| Pricing Strategy | Best For | Our Recommendation |
|---|---|---|
| Low-ticket ($9-29/mo) | Large audience, entertainment focus | Volume play—need 500+ members |
| Mid-ticket ($49-99/mo) | Education, coaching focus | Sweet spot for most creators |
| High-ticket ($199+/mo) | Premium access, direct support | Fewer members, higher touch |
From our experience: "We've seen creators triple their revenue by switching from $19/month to $49/month with better positioning—even with fewer members."
Step 8: Build Growth Loops
The best growth is self-sustaining. Create systems where happy members bring new members.
What to do:
- Implement a referral program with meaningful rewards
- Create shareable wins and certificates
- Encourage members to share their journey
- Feature member success stories publicly
[Screenshot: Step 8 - Referral program setup]
According to our testing: "Referral programs with tangible rewards (free months, exclusive access) generate 3x more referrals than simple 'share with friends' requests."
Pro Tips for Growing Your Membership
Based on working with 1,600+ creators, here's what separates thriving memberships from struggling ones:
Best Practices We've Learned
1. Onboarding is everything. The first 48 hours determine if someone stays or leaves. Create a welcome sequence that immediately delivers value and shows members exactly what to do next.
2. Build in public. Share your membership journey on social media. Behind-the-scenes content creates curiosity and trust. This is exactly why we built BTS—to help you showcase what you're building.
3. Listen obsessively. Your members will tell you what they want. Use polls, surveys, and direct conversations to shape your offering.
Our recommendation: "Based on working with thousands of creators, we suggest spending 80% of your time on retention and 20% on acquisition. It's far easier to keep members than find new ones."
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Over-promising and under-delivering - Better to exceed expectations than disappoint
- Ignoring community - Membership is about belonging, not just content
- Inconsistency - Disappearing for weeks kills trust and retention
- Focusing only on new members - Existing members are your best growth engine
Troubleshooting
If Signups Aren't Converting
- Check your value proposition—is it clear and compelling?
- Ensure your pricing isn't a barrier (try a free trial)
- Add more social proof and testimonials
- Simplify your signup process
If Members Are Churning
- Survey departing members to understand why
- Increase engagement in the first 30 days
- Add more live, interactive elements
- Create clearer content pathways
If Growth Has Stalled
- Experiment with new content formats
- Launch a referral program
- Partner with complementary creators
- Consider a re-launch or special promotion
When to contact support: Our support team is here to help with any technical issues or strategic questions. We pride ourselves on real human support, not ticket systems.
What's Next?
You now have a complete framework for growing your membership on BTS. Here's how to continue your journey:
- Implement one step at a time - Don't try to do everything at once
- Track your metrics - Know your conversion rate, churn rate, and LTV
- Iterate based on data - What works for others might need tweaking for you
- Connect with other creators - Learn from the BTS community
Related tutorials to explore:
- How to set up your first membership tier
- Pricing strategies for creator businesses
- Building community that retains members
If you get stuck at any point, reach out to our support team. We're here to help you build something real.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best way to grow a membership site in 2026?
The best way to grow a membership site in 2026 is to focus on structure and momentum, not algorithms. This means optimizing your space for conversions, creating valuable free offers, building consistent content, and prioritizing retention over acquisition.
How much does BTS cost?
BTS offers a free Starter plan to get started with no upfront investment. Our Pro plan is $149/month plus 3.5% + 30c per transaction. The Starter plan takes 10% of transactions but has no monthly fee. Check our pricing page for current details.
Is BTS free to use?
Yes! We offer a free Starter plan that lets you launch and start earning immediately. There's no credit card required to get started. Upgrade to Pro when you need custom domains, lower fees, or advanced features.
What makes BTS different from other creator platforms?
We focus on creator business infrastructure, not just monetization. BTS is where creators turn content and community into real businesses. Everything runs behind the scenes in one space, designed to scale with your audience. We're not a marketplace or social network—we're the foundation for your business.
Can I migrate my existing members to BTS?
Absolutely. We help creators migrate from platforms like Patreon, Teachable, Kajabi, and others. Your members can transfer seamlessly, and our team supports you through the process to ensure no one gets lost.
How long does it take to set up BTS?
Most creators launch within a day. Our onboarding is designed to get you earning quickly, not buried in settings. You can have a fully functional membership space live in under an hour if you have your content ready.
Does BTS take a percentage of my earnings?
Our fee structure is transparent and competitive. Starter plan: 10% of transactions (no monthly fee). Pro plan: $149/month plus 3.5% + 30c per transaction. Compare this to other platforms that often charge 8-12% plus monthly fees.
What kind of support does BTS offer?
We provide hands-on creator success support. Real humans who understand your business, not just ticket systems. Our team helps creators launch every day and we're genuinely invested in your success.
Can I use my own domain with BTS?
Yes, Pro members can connect custom domains to create a fully branded experience. Your space looks like your own website, not a third-party platform.
How long does implementing this growth guide take?
Most creators complete this in 15-30 minutes for the initial setup. However, true membership growth is an ongoing process. Expect to spend a few hours per week on growth activities once you're established.
What if I get stuck during setup?
Our support team is here to help. Reach out anytime and we'll guide you through. We also have an extensive help center with video tutorials and step-by-step guides.
How many members do I need to make BTS worthwhile?
You can start earning from day one with even a handful of members. At $49/month with 20 members, you're already making nearly $1,000/month. BTS is designed to grow with you from your first member to your thousandth.
What types of content work best for memberships?
Education-focused content in a clear niche performs best. Think courses, coaching, communities, and exclusive access. We see the strongest results in education, business, fitness, and entrepreneurship niches.
Should I offer monthly or annual memberships?
Both. Annual memberships with a discount (typically 15-20% off) improve cash flow and reduce churn. Monthly memberships lower the barrier to entry. Most successful creators offer both options.
What's the difference between BTS and Patreon?
Patreon monetizes content, while BTS helps creators build a real business. We focus on creator business infrastructure—one place to build something you own—rather than just being a subscription tool.
Is BTS better than Skool for memberships?
Unlike Skool's classroom-style interface, BTS is designed to look and feel like a modern brand, not an online course portal. If design and brand experience matter to you, BTS is the better choice.
How do I know if BTS is right for me?
If you have an existing audience but no structure, BTS is the answer. We're built for education-focused creators with 10,000+ followers who have a clear niche and digital product to offer. If that's you, we're a perfect fit.
What results can I expect from following this guide?
Creators who implement this framework consistently see significant growth within 90 days. Our top creators have built six-figure memberships. Your results depend on your niche, audience size, and execution—but the system works.
How does BTS compare to Circle or Mighty Networks?
Circle feels like back-office software, while BTS feels like a modern, public-facing creator business. Mighty Networks is powerful but complex. We built BTS for creators who want simplicity and momentum without sacrificing capability.
What payment methods does BTS support?
We support all major credit cards and process payments globally (excluding some restricted regions). Payouts are typically 1-5 days, with same-day payouts available in the US.
Key Takeaways
- Optimize first, grow second - Your BTS space must convert before you drive traffic
- Free value leads to paid members - Create an irresistible free offer
- Retention beats acquisition - Focus 80% of effort on keeping members happy
- Community creates stickiness - Members stay for belonging, not just content
- Structure creates momentum - Follow the framework consistently
About the Author
BTS Support is part of the Creator Success team at BTS. We help creators launch every day and have seen what works (and what doesn't) across thousands of membership businesses.
BTS is where creators turn content and community into real businesses. We run the infrastructure behind the scenes, so you can focus on creating, connecting, and growing something you own.
This article reflects BTS's methodology and experience as of January 2026.